Exclusively pumping?

I don't feel comfortable breastfeeding but of course I want to do what I can to make my child the most healthy. I thought about maybe just exclusively pumping breast milk and bottle feeding my child. Anyone done this? Or thoughts?

Comments (12)

I did this because my son couldn't latch. It's hard work. I initially pumped 8-10 times a day for 20 min each time. Then once you finish you need to clean pump parts and feed baby. My supply tanked by 6 months and we transitioned to formula. It's hard work, I felt chained to my house. I was definitely much happier once I no longer had to pump. There is an exclusive pumper board on this site which is helpful.

I did this because my son couldn't latch. It's hard work. I initially...

Posted
08/12/2015

I did this because my son couldn't latch. It's hard work. I initially pumped 8-10 times a day for 20 min each time. Then once you finish you need to clean pump parts and feed baby. My supply tanked by 6 months and we transitioned to formula. It's hard work, I felt chained to my house. I was definitely much happier once I no longer had to pump. There is an exclusive pumper board on this site which is helpful.

Ok thanks, that sounds like a lot... I'm still trying to decide what to do

It's not reccomended to start pumping until after several weeks to allow supply to be established. Pumping is hard and tiring and time consuming. Exploring how to overcome your discomfort would probably be a lot easier on both of you.

I had trouble with latch and exclusively pumped with my daughter. It's a lot of work but I didn't mind. Breastfeeding was so awkward for me even without the hassle of latch issues. It was nice being able to give her a bottle or have someone else feed her if I was busy.

It's not reccomended to start pumping until after several weeks to allow ...

Posted
08/12/2015

It's not reccomended to start pumping until after several weeks to allow supply to be established. Pumping is hard and tiring and time consuming. Exploring how to overcome your discomfort would probably be a lot easier on both of you.

This!

With my second I was a lot younger, and a bit uncomfortable with the idea of nursing. My mil (mother-in-law) (a labor and delivery nurse) encouraged me to try bfing in the hospital, and it felt weird for exactly 10 seconds, then I loved it. Give it a try, you may be surprised.

My sister did with both her kids till 1. I pumped with my 1st and have bf 3 others. It is more work to pump but do what works for you! Even if you pump to feed out in public if th at makes you more comfortable. Best of luck

I exclusively pumped my first after 7 months and my second after a few weeks. It was easier for me. Pumping to soon did make my engorgement horrible! I pumped as soon I had him 😐 but it is totally doable. I pumped 5 times a day for 20 minutes then 3 times a day for 20 min then for 10-15. I stopped pumping early with both and had enough milk to get both boys to 1 year.

Not all women respond to a pump unfortunately and a pump does not replicate a baby very well. I would maybe work with an IBCLC in advance to make a plan to exclusively pump but to also discuss how you feel about nursing. I rember before I had my son I wasn't gungho on nursing and thought if it works, whatever, but also felt a little odd in thought about it. Until the first latch that is... Then it was history and I nursed him until he self-weaned at 23 months. I say it's best to arm yourself with knowledge from both angles.

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